Some Gifts for My Readers!

It's the holiday season! Time to open presents! I've done all my shopping, wrapping, and mailing (or at least most of it). I even have some gifts for you! I have contacted friends and asked them to share some giveaways for my readers and did they ever come through. So look through your Christmas gift bag and see what we have in store for you!

First, we have some amazing free e-courses. I suggest you complete every one of them if you are in any type of business at all. I have and they were well worth the time. They were all created by Ken Evoy of Site Build It! fame so you know they will definitely teach you what you need to know.

Affiliate Masters Course
How to become a high-earning affiliate champion.
http://aff-masters.sitesell.com/wealthtogether.html

Service Sellers Masters Course
How to attract new clients from around the world... Or from around the block.
http://service-masters.sitesell.com/wealthtogether.html

Local Business Masters Course
How to become a Webmaster that produces RESULTS for local small businesses.
http://local-biz-masters.sitesell.com/wealthtogether.html

WAHM-IT!, The Masters Course
How to be a Work-at-Home Mom (WAHM) and successfully build a real business on the Net.
http://wahm-masters.sitesell.com/wealthtogether.html

Make Your Price Sell!, The Masters Course
How to price with complete confidence & double your Net profits.
http://myps-masters.sitesell.com/wealthtogether.html

Netwriting Masters Course
How to sell more? Write better. Write smarter. How to write to PREsell. Then write to SELL. The only course on the Net that shows you how to do both. And it's free!
http://netwriting.sitesell.com/wealthtogether.html

Make Your Net Auction Sell!, The Masters Course
Learn how to start and grow a profitable Net auction business.
http://mynas-masters.sitesell.com/wealthtogether.html

Speaking of Ken Evoy, he is also letting me give away some of his e-books for free. So, my next gift to you is a virtual stack of books that are guaranteed to help you grow your business next year.

Make Your Content PREsell!
Everyone should know how to write... to communicate! But many people believe they cannot write. This book breaks down the "I can't write" barrier-mindset.
http://mycps.sitesell.com/wealthtogether.html

Make Your Net Auction Sell!
An e-biz in every closet... Get into Auction Action!http://mynas.sitesell.com/wealthtogether.html

Make Your Words Sell!
Want to sell MORE? Become an e-persuader.
http://myws.sitesell.com/wealthtogether.html

Make Your Price Sell!
How much money are YOU leaving on the table? Price with complete confidence & double your Net profits.
http://myps.sitesell.com/wealthtogether.html

Make Your Knowledge Sell!
Turn knowledge into revenue -- sell "what you know" on the Net.
http://myks.sitesell.com/wealthtogether.html

Make Your Site SELL! 2002
The definitive work on making ANY Web site SELL!
http://myss.sitesell.com/wealthtogether.html

Now, if that's not enough, there's more. Claudia Meydrech is also offering free e-books as part of our Christmas gift package. She has a long list of them available - too many to post here. But if you just click here http://ebookandbookreviews.com/category/free-ebooks/, you'll be able to pick and choose the ones you want.

Keep digging - there are still more goodies in our Christmas gift to you. Have you ever thought about writing a book? Is there an idea for one that just keeps running around in your head? Want some help? Here's our next gift! Another great e-book. "Get It Out! That Book in your Head " by Carlyle Fraser, Rosie Horner and Marlino Morris! Pick it up here: http://www.rosiehorner.com/

Our next gift isn't free, but it's an amazing deal! Do you need some holiday graphics but thought you couldn't afford them? Merry Christmas! Get Holiday Graphic Design by Karlyn Web Banners, Buttons, Logos and More! Holiday Special - For You - Just $25 through Jan. http://www.karlyns.com/holiday-graphic-design/

As we enter the new year, it is good to put our thinking caps on, and find ways to have an abundant New Year. This gift, given by Heidi Caswell, is for those who are interested in earning money with affiliate marketing. Essential Strategies for Earning with Affiliate Links
http://connectsimply.com/affiliatebook.pdf

Oh no, it looks like the box is finally empty. Wait! I think I see one more gift. Yes! There it is! Have you ever wanted to start your own business but don't have a clue what to do? Let me introduce you to my friend Barb Ireland. She has a most unique business. And she is willing to teach you how to do it also. Just sign up for her newsletter to get started. And when you do, she'll send you a free e-book as well. http://www.makeadiapercake.biz/

I hope you enjoy my Christmas gifts to you. Make sure you drop a thank you note to the kind friends who have helped make this possible: Ken, Claudia, Rosie, Karlyn, Heidi, Barb - a big thank you for allowing me to share these wonderful resources with my readers. Have a blessed holiday!

New Look, New Projects, and a New Interview!

The results are in and it looks like I'm going to be testing my writing skills to the utmost next year. Almost everyone that responded to my previous questions about my focus for the coming year encouraged me to write the book. I have also been praying for guidance and suddenly, in the last few days, God has provided me with ideas and direction for not one book but four! So, it looks like I'm going to attempt to become an author. This is an entirely new direction for me. I'm so glad that I am friends with many authors. Perhaps they can tell me - can you write 4 books in a year?

New projects are in the works, now for the new look. I am already receiving entries for the logo contest and I must say, they are fabulous! It is going to be a tough decision. I may have a couple of my marketing expert buddies take a look at them to help me make the choice. I hope I keep getting entries - although if they are as good as what I have already received, it will only make it that much harder to decide!

One of the book ideas you have heard me talk about is the interviews with successful women entrepreneurs. The idea came from the success of the series of interviews I did on this blog. I am so excited about the opportunity I am going to have to sit down and with these women and really get to the heart of their success - and then share that information with others. Speaking of successful women, I have one I would like you to meet today. Barbara came to my attention as I was winding down the interview series. I had promised to include her and then life intervened and she was overlooked. My most heartfelt apologies to her! I know I said the series was over, but I also promised if I met someone worthy of sharing with my readers I would still do the occasional interview. Well Barbara has much to offer and I can't wait to introduce her to you - Barbara Bodling!

1. Tell us about yourself.

My name is Barbara Bodling and I live in Round Rock, Texas , just celebrated 27 years with my husband, have two kids named Christina and Andrew and also have a cat named Princess.

2. Tell us about your business.

I have two businesses which is called Heaven’s Blessings and Discount Shoppers Mall. Both of these businesses are shopping malls that are on the internet. The links are http://heavensblessings.net/ and http://www.discountshoppersmall.com/ These malls carry everything for your family from clothes to electronic items. There is a special going on at Discount Shoppers Mall, I am offering a 10% rebate for first time shoppers. These malls are outstanding malls in which a busy Mom can stay home and shop from right from her computer and have her products delivered right to her door. She does not have to worry about bringing her kids to the mall or find a place to park the car at the mall. Also, Heaven’s Blessings is raising money for a non profit organization called Together We Can Change The World so that orphanages can be built around the world or a medical procedure can be done for a child in need. So come one and come all and start shopping at the best malls on the internet.

3. Why did you start your own business?

The reason that I started my two businesses is because I do want to work for a boss. I like the freedom that a business can bring.

4. What do you like most and least about being your own boss?

What I like most about being my own boss is being able to run the business on my time schedule instead of my bosses. If I need to go to a doctor appointment for my child, I do not have to ask for a day for. The least thing that I like about being my own boss is not making money on a steady basis. In the beginning of my business, there were some days when I was not making a profit.

5. What personality traits and skills are needed to run a business?

The personality traits and skills that are needed to run a business is a lot of determination and having a mentality of never giving up on your business, also you should have great customer service skills and outstanding marketing skills.

6. What has been the most difficult part of being an entrepreneur?

The most difficult part of being an entrepreneur is when you first start your business. You have to find ways to promote your business; hopefully, one of these ways will bring in some clients.

7. Do you have any resources you have used to build your business that you would recommend?

The resources that I have used to build my business that I would recommend is network, network, network. A great place to network is Ryze. I also read books and use the internet to find more places to network as well as read articles on how to promote my business.

8. Do you have any tips to share on promoting your business?

Yes, I have one more tip that I forgot to mention. You should always carry business cards no matter where you go. You never know who you might run into, this person could be your next client.

9. What other advice do you have for someone starting their own business?

The advice that I have for someone starting their own business is to live within your budget, it might be tempting to use your credit card to purchase products for your business but do not go over board, you still have to pay the monthly payments on the credit card.

10. How can we contact you about your products and services?

The way that you can contract me about my products is click on my website for the different products that I sell. The links to my businesses are http://heavensblessings.net/ and http://www.discountshoppersmall.com/ You can also click on the tab “contact me” on the Discount Shoppers Mall website. You can also write me an email at Barbara.bodling@yahoo.com. I would like to offer first time buyers a 10% rebate on Discount Shoppers Mall, click on contact me and let me know that you are one of Melodieann’s readers for your discount.

11. Is there anything else you would like to share?

With Christmas just around the corner, instead of going to crowded malls for your shopping needs, stay home and shop from the privacy of your own home. You do not have to worry about crowded shopping malls or no place to park the car at the mall. So gather your Christmas list, and lets go shop at the best malls on the internet.

A Contest!

I have received much feedback from my previous post. You've given me a lot to think about. Thank you! I think I have a much clearer idea of what you would like to see from me in the coming year.

Since I'll be kicking off the new year with a new project, I've decided to take a lesson from Bob, the traveling dog. He just recently updated his blog with a whole new look - new masthead, new logo. It looks great. Check it out for yourself at http://travelswithbob.blogspot.com/.

Bob has inspired me to create my own unique look for WealthTogether. I need a logo and masthead that show what WealthTogether is all about. One problem - I don't have an artistic bone in my body. So I have decided to sponsor a contest. Submit your designs and I will select one to use on all of my WealthTogether sites and merchandise. Here are the rules:

1. Must be an original design. No previously published or copyrighted material.
2. Must be submitted in jpg, gif, bmp or png format, 8 MB maximum size.
3. All entries must be emailed to MelodieannW@gmail.com by December 31, 2008. Winner will be announced January 3, 2009.
4. Winner will receive $250 prize, an interview on the WealthTogether blog, a link to your site from all of my sites, credit for the design wherever possible and more!
5. Winning design will become the property of WealthTogether, Inc.

This is a great opportunity for an aspiring graphics designer to get some free PR! I can't wait to see the results.

A Question for My Readers

I have finished with the interview series. I may still post an interview occasionally if I meet someone who has information to share that will benefit YOU. But the regular weekly posts are finished. And while I work on my next series of posts, I'm also thinking about which direction to take my business in the coming year. It IS November after all and a new year will soon be upon us. Time to review what I've done and where I'm going.

Two projects keep coming back to me as I look ahead. I have prayed about them and talked to my husband about them and now I'm going to ask for your input. Both will take a lot of work but I don't mind that. I just wish to be sure that anything I do will ultimately prove to be of value to all of my readers.

First project - everyone seemed to enjoy the interviews. But they were rather limited in scope since I don't like my blog posts to be too long. I have been considering taking the concept and expanding it into a book where I could really sit down with these woman - and hopefully a few others who I know would make excellent subjects - and get to the heart of what they have done to become successful. I want to put all of their knowledge and experience into one place where other woman who are trying to build a business can access it whenever they wish. I have read the book "Conversations with Millionaires" by Mike Litman. It is based on the same sort of concept and it is an excellent book. I highly recommend it. But I wonder how many woman don't bother to read it because they feel they have nothing in common with these mega-success stories. I'm wondering if the stories of women who might live down the street or around the corner from you and are building successful businesses on their own might have a bigger impact.

Second project - every day I get emails from the latest internet marketing guru or business building expert wanting to sell me his plan to make money online or at home. I actually bought some of these until I realized that all they want to do is sell me their system and then teach me to sell their system to others.

I am a trainer. A certified master trainer in fact. I worked and studied hard for that certification and I really don't use it much right now. But I am being drawn more and more toward the idea of designing a course on building a business from home. Not my business. Not some "get rich quick" system by the latest internet hotshot. ANY business. Because just like anything else, building a business requires certain steps and skills and these can be learned. But once again I am wondering - would it have much impact on the lives of fellow woman would-be entrepreneurs?

And so, I ask for your input. You are my audience and it's for you that I do what I do. Would you find either of these of value? Do you have an idea to add to the concept? Or would you be interested in a new concept I've been learning about from my friend and mentor, Ken McArthur - a joint venture? Let me know your thoughts. You may be deciding my future for the next year!

Meet the Ladies(?) Who Are Changing the Face of Business - Professor Wordsearch

This is the last in my series of interviews with some of the brightest and most knowledgeable women in the world of home businesses. If you were ever considering starting a business of your own, I'm sure you have received enough information over the past few weeks to get you started on the right track. I've known some of these women for a while. Some of them I've only met while posting this series. But I have learned much from each of them and am grateful that they were willing to share their knowledge with me and my readers.

This last interview is a little different because my guest today is not a woman. I am pleased today to be able to introduce you to Professor Wordsearch. I first met the "Prof" on Ryze and though we responded to each other's posts a few times, didn't become that well acquainted. I admit, sometimes I was curious about what exactly it was that he did - but I never did ask. It was only after he learned of this series that he told me of his innovative advertising business. It is quite unique and I jumped at the chance to interview him for my blog for two reasons: Many of you will want to take advantage of his business. And it's a prime example of what kinds of creative businesses can be built with a very simple idea. So here he is - John Snyder aka Prof Wordsearch!

1. Tell us about yourself.
First of all Melodieann, Thank You for this tremendous opportunity. I hope that I can shed some insight and be an inspiration here. For those of you that have never been introduced to me, I am John Snyder, better known as Prof Wordsearch. I have been in Direct Sales nearly all of my adult life , I am 67 now, and I started my Advertising business, Ad-Vantage Advertising in 1992, developing my Dynamic Wordsearch Ads shortly thereafter. I was looking for a way back then to draw more attention to local advertising and provide affordable effective advertising for small merchants hard hit by recession. I distribute exclusively through non-profit groups. In short I help them raise much needed funds.

2. Tell us about your business.
The actual name for my company is Ad-Vantage Advertising and the product is Wordsearch Adz. I was looking for a way to spread the word about my Wordsearch Ads and perhaps open up new markets. Of course, some very knowledgeable people whom I am currently associated with saw the potential that this concept holds and encouraged me to expand my ideas. Then I saw the potential to help non-profit groups through fund raising.

3. Why did you start your own business?
As I said earlier, I started the Wordsearch Ads about 1992. I was in the midst of running a small advertising service delivering ad-sheets for local businesses, door-to-door. One day, as I was looking for a better way to get my ads noticed, I hit upon the idea of combining my hobby of making Word Searches with advertising. My first attempts were very crude and lacked the sophistication of my present day Wordsearch Ads, but from the reactions I was receiving, from customers and merchants alike, I knew that I was on to something really big.

4. What do you like most and least about being your own boss?
Are you kidding Melodieann? I like everything about being my own Boss, especially being able to market something that I created and watch it grow by leaps and bounds. It is like watching your child grow and mature.

5. What personality traits and skills are needed to run a business?
Perseverance and the belief that what you are doing, is something that you want to do. Then you have to have the determination to see it through . You have to devote to it whatever it takes to make it succeed. Sometimes it may even have to come before family and everything else. I know that sounds harsh, but if you want it badly enough, then you will do what it takes to make it so.

6. What has been the most difficult part of being an entrepreneur?
I would have to say, dealing with people who don’t understand. I am talking about family and friends who try to convince you that you are wasting your time. That only made me more determined, now I had other people to show that I was going to be successful.

7. Do you have any resources you have used to build your business that you would recommend?
The best resource you can have is your own brain. Think outside the box and come up with ways you can make what you are doing work for you. What makes you and your product (service) different, what makes it stand out? And Melodieann, you are right on target with your suggestion about RYZE, Networking can help you and suggest ways to market that you may never have thought of. Never, ever close your mind to suggestions. You may not be able to follow all advice given, but LISTEN.

8. Do you have any tips to share on promoting your business?
Always remember your business comes first, never forget that. Find your Niche.

9. What other advice do you have for someone starting their own business?
Find a business you can believe in, ask yourself, if you would use this product or service and how do you feel about recommending it to your family and friends. Talk it over with them first and get their feedback and HONEST Opinions. Take notes and develop ways to overcome all objections.

10. How can we contact you about your products and services?
I encourage everyone to visit my web site https://mail.helmsbriscoe.com/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://www.profwordsearch.com/ and print out the sample puzzles you find under “Pick-A-Puzzle”. This makes a Great Free Ebook of Wordsearch Adz. You will find puzzles done for many RYZERS. By the way, these are only a few of the thousands, I have done over the years, on all subjects.

The flag ship! This is a fully custom WordSearch puzzle about your business AND your own display ad at the bottom. This can be used anywhere, its all yours! The best of the best! See a Sample.
(Includes a FREE banner for 2 months on the explosive Ad-Network)

11. Is there anything else you would like to share?
Anyone can do what I did, if they want it badly enough. Just put your mind to it and do not let even on shred of doubt enter into the picture. Once you start doubting what you are doing, You might as well hang it up, because you will never regain the belief you need to succeed at the business. All I can say now is, I wish everyone the very best of luck and if there is ever anything I can do to help, do not hesitate to call on me. See you all at the Top!

Meet the Ladies Who Are Changing the Face of Business - Susan Gunelius

This interview project has been so gratifying for me - and beneficial I hope to the ladies I have interviewed. I know everyone who has read what they have shared has surely learned something! The project is winding down. There are a few interviews to go. And then - I have to figure out what to do with this wealth of information. I have an idea - which I'll share with you when it's all over. Meanwhile, prepare to be impressed by my latest "guest". Meeting her is an example of the power of networking. It all came about because I know someone who knows someone who..... Meet marketing expert Susan Gunelius!


1. Susan, will you please tell us about yourself?
I am a marketing and branding expert having spent over a decade managing and executing marketing programs for some of the largest companies in the world, including divisions of AT&T and HSBC. Currently, I run my own business as a freelance writer and copywriter, marketing and branding consulant, and professional blogger. I'm in the process of launching a new company to run my business through called KeySplash Creative, Inc. The website should be up and running soon at http://www.keysplashcreative.com/.

I am also a published author with two nonfiction books currently available and two more scheduled for publication in 2009 (Harry Potter: The Story of a Global Business Phenomenon, Kick-ass Copywriting in 10 Easy Steps, Google Blogger for Dummies, The Playboy Brand).

You can find me blogging about business, marketing, branding, blogging and more at these sites:
Brandcurve: http://www.brandcurve.com/ (all about branding for b5media)
Women On Business: http://www.womenonbusiness.com/ (my personal blog dedicated to helping women succeed in the business world)
About.com Guide to Web Logs: http://weblogs.about.com/ (all about blogging for About.com, a New York Times Company)
Everyday Marketing: http://bizsuccess.kudzu.com/?cat=35 (all about marketing for small businesses for Kudzu Small Business Success Center, a Cox Communications Company)
Corporate Eye: http://www.corporate-eye.com/ (I provide corporate branding articles)
PlayLibrary: http://www.playlibrary.com/ (all about children's toys, games, books and more for b5media)
The Disney Traveler: http://www.thedisneytraveler.com/ (all about Disney destinations around the world for b5media)


2. Tell us about your business.
Until recently, I've been operating as a freelancer through my website, www.SusanGunelius.com. Within the next month, I'll be launching the website for my new company, KeySplash Creative Inc. (http://www.keysplashcreative.com/), and my freelance business will become part of that company. KeySplash Creative is a full-service creative marketing solutions provider offering article writing, book writing, copywriting, and blogging services as well as marketing and branding consulting services.

3. Why did you start your own business?
I left the corporate world in 2004 when my triplets were born. At the time, it wasn't feasible to return to a 9-5 job. In late 2006, I had an idea to write a book about copywriting and began to research the book publishing process. Through that research, I learned that an important component to publishing a nonfiction book is to have a platform to help promote it. As a stay-at-home mother, I didn't have the ability to deliver speeches, attend events, and so on to build a platform. Instead, I had to find a way to build a platform from my home. I used the expertise I had developed during my corporate career to begin offering my services as a freelance writer and copywriter then found blogging as a way to quickly develop an online presence and publishing platform. I experimented with a variety of tools to broaden my online reach and eventually, found the right mix to not only sell my book proposals but also to have publishers find me to write additional books and to grow my freelance writing, copywriting and branding and marketing consultation business. As my freelance business grew, I decided to incoporate and start my own company to provide a consistent and professional brand image for my business, and thus, KeySplash Creative was born.

4. What do you like most and least about being your own boss?
I like being able to select the direction that I want my company to take, the type of business and clients I want to take on to grow the business, and the ability to operate my business with integrity. So often in the corporate world, I felt like I had to market products that I didn't believe in. My goal with KeySplash Creative is to offer professional and honest services and become a true partner in helping my clients achieve success through compelling copy, articles, books and useful marketing and branding consultation.

The worst part of being my own boss is being on the clock 24x7. There is never a time when I feel like I can shut the door to my office and call it a day.


5. What personality traits and skills are needed to run a business?
Patience and persistence. Success doesn't happen overnight and you can't rest when it comes to pursuing new opportunities to grow your business.

6. What has been the most difficult part of being an entrepreneur?
Starting a business requires a huge time commitment. For me, that commitment has meant time away from my children. That's the hardest part for me.

7. Do you have any resources you have used to build your business that you would recommend?
I highly recommend my Everyday Marketing blog, http://bizsuccess.kudzu.com/?cat=35, for help with marketing ideas for small businesses. I also recommend VistaPrint for marketing materials and Wordpress for a small business website rather than traditional web design. Using Wordpress as a content management solution (CMS) is not only economical, but it also makes it incredibly easy to make changes to your website on the fly. The learning curve is minimal and the benefits are huge. I also recommend the forums at http://www.absolutewrite.com/ for writers and the forums at http://www.wahm.com/ to learn about working from home. Finally, I recommend my About.com site, http://weblogs.about.com/, to learn about blogging.

8. Do you have any tips to share on promoting your business?
I have so many suggestions to help business owners promote their companies and services. In fact, there are far too many to list here. Read my Everyday Marketing blog (http://bizsuccess.kudzu.com/?cat=35) for marketing tips, my About.com site (http://weblogs.about.com/) to learn how to use a blog as a promotional tool, and my branding blog (http://www.brandcurve.com/) to learn more about branding your business and products.

9. What other advice do you have for someone starting their own business?
Don't jump in without conducting research and understanding the market first. Create a plan then stick to it, but don't be afraid to experiment, take risks and adjust your plan accordingly along the way. Be patient and don't give up. Finally, start a blog and leverage the power of the social web to boost your business to the next level.

10. How can we contact you about your products and services?
Currently, my website is http://www.susangunelius.com/. There is a contact form on my site to get more information about my writing, blogging, or branding/marketing consulting services. My direct email address is contact[AT]susangunelius.com.


11. Is there anything else you would like to share?
Yes. I'd like to reach out to female bloggers who write blogs about business. Whether you're an entrepreneur or corporate executive, please consider visiting www.WomenOnBusiness.com and either join the conversation or submit your blog using the Contact form to the Businesswomen Bloggers Directory. Additionally, Women On Business is currently accepting guest posts from businesswomen bloggers who can provide useful content for other women to help them succeed in the business world. Use the Contact form to submit your guest post query or volunteer to become a Weekly Contributor. You can get the details on the Write for Us page.

Meet the Ladies Who Are Changing the Face of Business - Dana Neal

This interview project has been so gratifying for me - and beneficial I hope to the ladies I have interviewed. I know everyone who has read what they have shared has surely learned something! The project is winding down. There are a few interviews to go. And then - I have to figure out what to do with this wealth of information. I have an idea - which I'll share with you when it's all over. Meanwhile, prepare to be impressed by my latest "guest". She's an amazing woman with much to share. Meet Dana Neal!

1. Dana, will you share a bit about yourself?

Married 5 years with four children, I am the Christian Encouragement Officer for 3 self built businesses. Coming from a family of entrepreneurs, I am the oldest and only girl of five.

2. Tell us about those businesses.

E.S.S.E.N.C.E Of A Woman~~innovative event planners.
C.K.Q Gifts~~gifts and services
4,My Kids, Inc~~nonprofit helping families eliminate debt and provide scholarships for teens that don’t meet the 4.0 criteria.

3. Why did you start your own business?

I had no choice; my youngest son was ill and needed me home. It was a snap decision.

4. What do you like most and least about being your own boss?

I don’t like the marketing side of the business. I believe I have something people want and need; I hope they would just find me. I like making my own hours and putting a lot of me into my business.

5. What personality traits and skills are needed to run a business?

You have to be a people person. You have to know that at the end of the day it is not about the money you made but the people you have helped.

6. What has been the most difficult part of being an entrepreneur?

Making ends meet every month. Especially now in this “recession” I am struggling to obtain clients.

7. Do you have any resources you have used to build your business that you would recommend?

Social/business networks are the “in” thing to promote your businesses, get advice and obtain future clients. If a business is not set in just their state social networks are the best. I love the Black Business Builders Club http://www.blackbusinessbuilders.com/?1548 (which is not just for African Americans), I love the Ryze network, Ning Network, and Briz.com.

8. Do you have any tips to share on promoting your business?

Never limit yourself. If you want to be that platinum event planner or worldwide speaker, you have to promote yourself everywhere your market is. Don’t spam anyone; work your business!

9. What other advice do you have for someone starting their own business?

Start smart; take chances on yourself. Be willing to fail and then find your way. Businesses were not made in day.

10. How can we contact you about your products and services?

http://www.essenceofawomanevents.com/
http://www.ckqgifts.biz/
http://4mykidsinc.bravehost.com/

11. Is there anything else you would like to share?

Being in business takes patience and love of self. Not selfishness, but the ability to motivate self so you can help others.